Establishment of intensive olive groves in the Negev desert, southern Israel, began in the 1990’s, when Ramat Negev R&D station researchers showed that the olive tree is tolerant to osmotic stress higher than that of other tree crops.
Brackish ground water available for irrigation in that region and mechanizing olive harvest led farmers to adopt this crop for agricultural development in the desert.
The region receives an annual precipitation of 50 mm. Therefore, year-round irrigation is mandatory for growth, fruit bearing and oil accumulation. This need increases production cost but poses the advantage of “by-valve” crop management. Harvest and pruning are not interrupted by rains. Low air humidity is not favorable for disease development. Oil biosynthesis and accumulation in the drupe are sensitive to fruit load and drupe size. By irrigation, the farmer may apply precise irrigation according to evapotranspiration and yield demand for water. These conditions give farmers an opportunity to produce premium and unique olive oils.
Irrigation is energy dependent. The desert offers non arable land suitable for alternative energy sources to operate pumps. Over the canopy photo-voltaic panels are another option for energy production. These panels can reduce evapotranspiration, direct radiation and temperatures below the canopy.
